Poker Definitions and Slang

If another poker player has ever called you a "donk", it turns out you've been issued an insult. This is one of many slang terms related to poker. In this section of our poker glossary, we're offering poker definitions related to common slang terms.

Common Poker Slang

Below are poker definitions of a dozen of the most commonly used slang terms. Some are descriptive and some are insulting but all are part of the game's language and texture.

• Bad Beat: When a player should have won a hand due to their great hole cards and someone else with lesser hole cards steals it on the river, this is called a "bad beat." It is also known as a "blank."
• Big Slick: You've got to love the "big slick," which is an unsuited Ace, King in the hole.
• Boat: This is another term for a full house.
• Calling Station: When a person is called this it means that they play too many hole cards and thus they are always "calling" or "seeing" a bet. This is often a symptom of loose play. The "calling station" rarely folds and they tend to lose cash rapidly.
• Donk: "Donk," which is short for donkey, refers to a stupid player. Often this player has made a bad move that has resulted in their winning a pot they should not have. If someone calls you a "donk," you have been hit with an insult.
• Gut Shot: The "gut shot" straight occurs when a player tries to hit an inside straight on the river. Basically, it means that the player "feels" they will beat the odds and make their straight.
• Leak: A player who has a "leak" has some sort of flaw in their game that results in their "leaking" or losing money in a manner that can be avoided.
• Nit: When a poker player is "tight," they are said to be a "nit." That is, they are conservative in how many hands they play.
• 3-Bet: This refers to someone raising after the hole cards are on the table and the first bet has been made. This is called the "3-bet' because the blinds are seen as being the first bet and the initial wager after the hole cards is the second bet.
• Tilt: Players do not want to "tilt," which means they have an emotional reaction to losing a hand and on the next hand they become very aggressive, wagering on cards that are very weak. Basically, logic has been supplanted by extreme emotion. This usually results in the player losing more cash, sometimes everything.
• Trips: This is another term to three of a kind.
• Quads: It's a great day when you pull "quads." You've got four of a kind.

Should You Insult Other Players?

Insults exist. The question is should you use the poker definitions in this glossary that are a form of insult? If part of playing a game is good sportsmanship, then the answer is "no." Don't use that type of poker slang at the green felt. It's immature and unprofessional. Keep it fun and friendly. Beat them at the table with your cards and smart play and not with smart words.